2009 Forty Under 40 inductees

By - 11/6/2009

Marvell AdamsAdministrator
The Living Center at the HighlandsAge: 31Education: B.A., political science, College of Charleston, South Carolina; master's in health care administration, long-term care concentration, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillFamily: Wife, Karoline MoonResidence: RochesterProfessional responsibilities: Provides strategic vision; oversees day-to-day operations; maintains effective working relationship with board of directors; provides leadership of organizational fundraising and collaborates with other University of Rochester Medical Center affiliates. Spearheads several facility renovations. Serves as coach for Alzheimer's life-enrichment initiative and staff trainer for caring communication grant.Community leadership: Past gala executive committee chairman and member, volunteer wish granter, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York; member, Visiting Nursing Service Programming and Planning Committee; preceptor, SUNY College at Brockport health care administration program; annual guest lecturer, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University.Surprising fact: My lifelong fantasy career aspiration is to be a master Lego builder, and if the opportunity ever arose, I would most likely give up whatever position I currently held to fulfill it.Ten years from now: Living a bit closer to the ocean with my wife and yet-to-be-born children, enjoying a continued career in health care, spending part of my time in academia to help train the next generation of health care leaders, and becoming well known on the competitive barbecue circuit.

Kevin AmanSenior manager, marketing communications
Harris Corp., RF Communications DivisionAge: 37Education: B.A., communications, Fordham University, New York CityFamily: Wife, Mary; daughters 12 and 5; sons 10, 9 and 6Residence: IrondequoitProfessional responsibilities: Responsible for all aspects of global marketing communications for the defense segment of RF Communications, including strategic planning and execution of advertising, public relations, graphic and multimedia design, trade shows, Web and product placement.Community leadership: Board member and program committee chairman, Camp Stella Maris; volunteer, Drumcliffe School of Irish Arts; founding member, visioning board, Spiritus Christi Church.Surprising fact: My parents asked me that once in college, and I revealed my new tattoo. I was never asked again. Most people are surprised to learn that I made it into the semifinal auditions for "Survivor," cut short in mid-interview by a casting agent who said to me, "I am so bored with you right now."Ten years from now: Well, clearly a 10-year goal would be to bore fewer people less often, perhaps if I learn French and take tennis lessons. I think I'd be content to look back 10 years from now to realize I took the opportunity to absorb the personal and professional wisdom from the incredible people in my life right now.

Carrie AndrewsLabor relations specialist
New York State United TeachersAge: 33Education: B.S., industrial and labor relations, Cornell UniversityFamily: SingleResidence: RochesterProfessional responsibilities: Provides labor relations services to local NYSUT affiliates in area school districts, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements, representing unions at arbitration and Public Employment Relations Board hearings and settling employer-employee disputes. Conducts training on union representation, grievance processing, negotiations and new laws affecting education and labor.Community leadership: Monroe County legislator; member, Monroe County Fishery Advisory Board; board member, American Cancer Society; board member, Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District; member, Community Advisory Board, Health Improvement Projects for Girls, School of Nursing, University of Rochester; member, Culver Merchants Business Association; member, Community Advisory Board, Academy of Law and Justice, School Without Walls.Surprising fact: I went abroad two times as an exchange student before I went to college. First I spent a summer with a host family in Tokyo, Japan. Then I spent a year in a remote village in northern Argentina. I learned to live without reliable hot water or electricity and had some of the best times of my life.Ten years from now: I plan to continue to stand up and fight for what I believe in-justice, equality and working toward a better society. I hope to become a better advocate for people I represent and friend to those in my life whom I love.

Jennifer ArborePartner
EFP Rotenberg LLPAge: 33Education: B.S., accounting, SUNY College at BrockportFamily: Husband, SalvatoreResidence: WebsterProfessional responsibilities: Leads both the not-for-profit and governmental accounting and auditing groups within the firm. Works with clients on implementation of accounting standards and on identification and execution of best practices. Assists with recruiting and retaining staff members by serving on firm's recruiting and employee recognition committees.Community leadership: Co-chairwoman, alumni board, business department, SUNY Brockport; member, audit committee, YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County; adviser, community investment operations advisory committee, United Way of Greater Rochester Inc.; member-at-large, executive committee, Not-for-Profit Services Association.Surprising fact: I am not the only Jennifer Arbore in Rochester; there are three of us in the same family. My husband has two brothers, and each of them also married a Jennifer, so there are actually three Jennifer Arbores. In addition, each of us has a brother named Jeffrey, making it an even crazier, more unbelievable scenario.Ten years from now: Professionally, I would like to have expanded the firm's not-for-profit and governmental accounting practice. I am passionate about this niche as the clients are mission-driven and support so many important initiatives locally. Personally, I look forward to continuing to contribute to our community and starting a family with my amazing and supportive husband.

Kymberly BaileyPractice director
Cochran, Cochran & Yale LLCAge: 39Education: B.S., finance, SUNY College at BrockportFamily: Husband, Michael; daughter, 13; son, 11Residence: PittsfordProfessional responsibilities: Specializes in placing Rochester's top accounting and finance professionals in new career opportunities. Also is an adjunct professor of accounting at Rochester Institute of Technology and lecturer in accounting at SUNY Brockport.Community leadership: Board member, Pittsford Youth Football; board member, employment network at St. Louis Church; board member, Fairy Godmothers of Rochester; past member, SUNY Brockport Accounting Advisory Board; travel team manager, Pittsford Mustang Soccer Club; coach, Odyssey of the Mind; former leader, Girl Scouts; volunteer, American Cancer Society's walk against breast cancer.Surprising fact: I am afraid of heights. In college I took a Reserve Officers' Training Corps class. I rappelled from buildings, flew in helicopters and fired M-16s. My love of adventure helped me overcome my fear, teaching me that perseverance is tackling small obstacles each day. Doing this, there is no limit to what can be done.Ten years from now: I love my life! I enjoy the people I work with and have fun doing my job; I can't ask for anything more. Personally, I would like to continue giving back to the community and explore new adventures with my loving and supportive family.

Drew Bielemeier
Senior vice president of operations
Heritage Christian Services Inc.Age: 38Education: B.A., sociology and political science, SUNY College at GeneseoFamily: Wife, Jennison; daughter, 5 monthsResidence: ChurchvilleProfessional responsibilities: Works with senior executive team on strategic planning and setting vision. Oversees 57 group homes, 20 day programs, therapeutic riding stables and other programs, such as service coordination and respite care. Builds community partnerships that enrich the lives of nearly 1,500 people served by the agency.Community leadership: Leader, staff-parish relations committee, Bergen United Methodist Church; founding member, Cape Ability Outrigger Ohana Inc., a chapter of Disabled Sports USA; member, agency advisory council, Foodlink Inc.; past member, Special Olympics gala committee.Surprising fact: I worked in the music industry just out of college, supporting some old-time funk and R&B groups, including George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. I was part of a team that created a record label in Japan and helped to produce a bass guitar CD that included Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.Ten years from now: In 10 years I will still be relentlessly pursuing better and better ways of serving people with developmental disabilities. I'm sure I'll still be enjoying fatherhood and volunteering as much as I can to build a better tomorrow for our community. If I'm lucky, I'll still be fit enough to play soccer too.

Joshua BoukVice president, customer services
Veramark Technologies Inc.Age: 36Education: B.S., computer science, B.S., mathematics, SUNY College at BrockportFamily: Wife, Cherilyn; sons, 8 and 4; daughter, 6Residence: GreeceProfessional responsibilities: Creates and implements Veramark's customer experience to establish Veramark as a strategic partner to Fortune 1,000 global enterprises and midsize companies alike. Maintains direct executive relationships with strategic customers, drives new customer acquisition and leads all service groups for Veramark's customer base of 3,900 enterprises and government organizations.Community leadership: Trustee, Roberts Wesleyan College; trustee, Northeastern Seminary; president, board of directors, Digital Rochester; adviser, board of advisers, Blue Hill Capital Partners, Philadelphia; founding member, Technology Council of Upstate New York; member, chairman's council, Charles Finney School; member, Leadership Board, Edgewood Free Methodist Church.Surprising fact: My ultimate professional goal is to become a leader in social venture capital focused on providing attractive returns to investors while simultaneously enabling market-based solutions to social challenges in the U.S. and abroad.Ten years from now: Having recently completed my latest turnaround project with a successful exit, I will be reviewing potential social venture investment opportunities while preparing to tee off at Pebble Beach. At home, we will be celebrating a college-bound son, a daughter learning to drive and my youngest in high school.

David BovenziVice president and portfolio manager
U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth ManagementAge: 38Education: B.S., accounting; MBA, St. John Fisher CollegeFamily: Wife, Melissa; daughter, 5; son, 3Residence: WebsterProfessional responsibilities: Manages investment portfolios for high-net-worth individuals, foundations and endowments. Works with clients to determine their financial goals and develop appropriate strategies for success. Responsible for asset selection, research and oversight. Assists partners in business development and client management and promotes teamwork.Community leadership: Treasurer, board member and finance committee member, Compeer Rochester Inc.; board member, services oversight committee member and investment committee member, Hillside Children's Foundation; member, SJFC Scholarship Tournament Golf committee, St. John Fisher College.Surprising fact: Cooking is one of my passions, and I do the majority of the cooking at home. I have taken a number of cooking classes and look forward to taking more.Ten years from now: I hope to have mastered the delicate balance among my personal, professional and community responsibilities. While that may be unrealistic, I will enjoy the journey and continue to strive for improvement in each area.

Megan BroomfieldPartner
Mengel Metzger Barr & Co. LLPAge: 36Education: BBA, accounting, Niagara UniversityFamily: Husband, Bill; daughters, 5 and 2Residence: PerintonProfessional responsibilities: Serves as a partner in the assurance practice, working in a variety of areas that include serving financial institutions as well as the employee benefit plan, distribution and not-for-profit industries. Serves as chairwoman of the firm's training committee and as a member of the firm's marketing and recruiting committees.Community leadership: Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; member, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants; trustee and member of the audit and finance committees, Geva Theatre Center; member, board of directors, Rochester Businessmen's Charitable Organization; volunteer, Meals on Wheels.Surprising fact: I was a center for my high school basketball team, the Water-vliet Cannoneers, class of 1990, and once scored 34 points in a game.Ten years from now: I hope my girls are enjoying being Fairport Red Raiders and are happy and healthy. Also, that my husband and I finally have had time to travel to Ireland.

Andrew Cappotelli
Director, finance, and controller, human resources group
Paychex Inc.Age: 38Education: BBA, accounting; MBA, St. Bonaventure UniversityFamily: Wife, Molly; daughters, 7 and 5Residence: PittsfordProfessional responsibilities: Oversees and directs all accounting and financial functions for the Human Resource Services Division of Paychex. Manages a team of finance professionals and oversees all accounting, financial reporting and financial planning activities of this business segment.Community leadership: Board member, Alzheimer's Association; member, finance committee, Alternatives for Battered Women; volunteer, Trout Unlimited; volunteer coach, Pittsford Mustang Soccer Club.Surprising fact: I have always loved teaching and coaching, from kids on a soccer field to accounting majors in a college classroom to peers at professional training sessions. In fact, I'm a strong proponent of continuous and lifelong learning. I could one day see myself pursuing a career in education.Ten years from now: I would love to be guiding wealthy fly fishermen for rising trout on the Madison River in Montana and chasing the Black Crowes around the country from concert to concert. Realistically, I will probably still be working for the "man," paying for college and wondering if Social Security will be around.

Peter Connoy
Vice president, corporate finance
Paetec Holding Corp.Age: 39Education: B.A., economics, University of California at DavisFamily: SingleResidence: RochesterProfessional responsibilities: Leads and manages Paetec's merger and acquisition and capital-raising activities, banking and Wall Street relationships, along with investor relations duties with debt and equity investors. Leads Paetec's efforts to build new headquarters at Midtown Plaza in downtown Rochester.Community leadership: Board member, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection.
Surprising fact: While I intended to be a speech writer out of college, I couldn't get a staff job on a campaign as my grammar was no good! Serendipitously, a bank in Los Angeles was hiring, so I went into finance.Ten years from now: I hope to continue growing personally and professionally, all the while having fun doing it.

Stephen Cook M.D.
Assistant professor of pediatrics
University of Rochester Medical Center and Golisano Children's Hospital at StrongAge: 39Education: B.S., biology, Niagara University; M.D., University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Dentistry; master's in public health, University of Rochester School of MedicineFamily: Wife, Kathleen; daughters, 9 and 7Residence: Fairport
Professional responsibilities: Board-certified pediatrician and internist in the department of pediatrics at Golisano Children's Hospital. Teaches residents and medical students and sees patients in the pediatric practice at Strong. Is an active researcher focused on childhood nutrition and physical activity for obesity prevention.
Community leadership: President of the Rochester board, member of the New York advocacy committee and member of the committee on atherosclerosis, hypertension and obesity in the young, American Heart Association.
Surprising fact: Even though I do a lot of research, community outreach and clinical work about nutrition and physical activity, I have a huge weakness for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. The genius who put peanut butter and chocolate together should win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ten years from now: Back here for the 50 Under 50 award! No, seriously, I hope to be vacationing with my family in Hilton Head Island, S.C., or in New Orleans at Cafe du Monde, having beignets and chicory coffee.

Daniel Diefendorf
Vice president and area director
Ciber Inc.
Age: 34
Education: B.S., marketing, Ithaca College; MBA, Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh
Family: Wife, Lynne; daughters, 6 and 3
Residence: Victor
Professional responsibilities: Responsible for sales, operations, accounting, recruiting, governance and human resources functions for Ciber New York business unit. Leads and supports management team to deliver innovative technology programs to help clients achieve their business strategies. Services all New York and Canadian-based clients for Ciber.
Community leadership: Trustee, Hillside Children's Center and Crestwood Children's Center; chairman, Hillside Night at Geva; board member, University of Rochester Medical Center-Highland Hospital Foundation.
Surprising fact: I ran my first marathon in 2007 and have been hooked since. Once you meet me, you'll see I am not a prototypical runner in the least. But it has motivated me to do other endurance events.
Ten years from now: Our growing family will be enjoying life through our faith, community involvement, athletics and travels. Professionally, I plan to be a principal in a successful organization and in my spare time will have completed multiple Ironman competitions.

Maria Thomas Fisher
Municipal assistant
City of Rochester
Age: 36
Education: B.S., health science, master's in public administration, SUNY College at Brockport
Family: Husband, Michael
Residence: Rochester
Professional responsibilities: Assists city departments in coordinating projects involving education, public safety, customer service, and neighborhood and business development. Leads Voice of the Customer sessions in the community and works to strengthen the relationship between the city and college student leaders through the Rochester Intercollegiate Council. Oversees and coordinates process improvement efforts for the 311 customer service system.
Community leadership: Development and nominating board chairwoman, Rochester Children's Scholarship Fund; president, Rochester Young Professionals; advisory board member, NextGen Rochester; co-founder, City Young Professionals; member, board of contributors, Democrat and Chronicle; young leader, United Way of Greater Rochester Inc.
Surprising fact: I was raised in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. My family follows both the local and Orthodox traditions and celebrates Christmas on Dec. 25 and Jan. 7. This may be why I enjoy Christmas so much. Even my wedding this year was Christmas-themed.
Ten years from now: Education is my passion. Therefore, I hope to be actively involved in raising graduation rates and increasing opportunities for students in the city of Rochester. Also, it is my hope that due in part to my efforts, young professionals will be active participants in addressing the issues that impact this community.

Elizabeth Fredericks
Managing partner
Vitalwork Inc.
Age: 38
Education: B.A., marketing, Michigan State University; MBA, marketing, Wayne State University, Detroit
Family: Fiance, Michael Alo
Residence: Penfield
Professional responsibilities: Manages overall business strategy and direction, including business development, sales, marketing and operations. Delivers presentations to professional and community organizations. Develops and facilitates workshops.
Community leadership: Board member, chairwoman of the public relations/marketing committee and executive committee member, Bivona Child Advocacy Center; member, International Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma.
Surprising fact: I have scaled snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa's highest peak at 19,336 feet. The final climb to the summit requires waking up at 11:30 p.m., putting on every piece of clothing you have, turning on your headlamp and trekking for six hours. When the sun comes up and you are standing on top of the mountain, it is a feeling like no other.
Ten years from now: I look forward to increasing my community leadership, raising a family that values service and giving back, traveling internationally and deciding on the topic of my first book.

Christopher Gamble
President, managing partner
Kroner Gamble & Co. CPA P.C.
Age: 38
Education: B.S., accounting, St. John Fisher College
Family: Wife, Tamara; daughter, 5; sons, 3 years and 3 months
Residence: Webster
Professional responsibilities: Oversees the development, coordination and implementation of comprehensive tax, estate and financial planning strategies with a main focus on planning for clients in real estate, professional services and entertainment and family wealth preservation. Manages the direction of a growing practice while constantly striving to enhance a firm culture of creativity, passion and responsiveness.
Community leadership: Treasurer, Rochester Rotary Charitable Trust Inc.; board member, chapter president for 2008-09, past membership chairman and finance chairman, Entrepreneurs' Organization-Western New York chapter; member, finance committee, Church of the Blessed Sacrament; founder, Fraternal Alumnus PRIDE Scholarship; member, strategic planning committee, Rochester Rotary Club.
Surprising fact: Every year my high school friends and I take a trip called "All Sports Weekend" and attend various sporting events around the country. Two years ago, in the span of three days, we went to a Yankees game, a Red Sox game and a Cubs doubleheader.
Ten years from now: Spending the majority of my time watching and coaching my children as they participate in their many activities. Extensively traveling the globe with my wife and family when not defending my world-record time in the Ironman Triathlon (over-40 age group, of course!).

Daniel Goldstein
Chief financial officer and partner
Buckingham Properties LLC
Age: 38
Education: Bachelor's in general studies, accounting and finance, University of Michigan
Family: Wife, Victoria; son, 7; daughter, 5
Residence: Brighton
Professional responsibilities: Directly responsible for the financing of all real estate transactions; oversight of accounting, tax, financial reporting and internal control functions; actively involved in the evaluation, negotiation and structure of all acquisitions, sales, joint ventures and new development projects, maintenance of insurance programs, cash management programs, banking and legal relationships.
Community leadership: Board member, Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester; member, community relations committee, Jewish Community Federation.
Surprising fact: Although I do not consider myself an official Deadhead, my favorite band is the Grateful Dead. I went to my first Dead concert at age 15 and have been fortunate to see them play at venues all over the country during the past 23 years.
Ten years from now: In 10 years, I will likely be running to and from my children's events but hope also to be enjoying relaxing times at a house on a lake with my family and good friends. I expect to remain actively involved in the creation and development of challenging and successful real estate projects with the team at Buckingham Properties.

David Hou
Associate
Boylan, Brown, Code, Vigdor & Wilson LLP
Age: 35
Education: B.A., biology, University of Chicago; J.D., Boston University
Family: Single
Residence: Rochester
Professional responsibilities: Focuses on commercial litigation, including contracts, insurance coverage, trade secrets and confidential information; copyrights; and trademarks litigation. Provides counsel to municipalities regarding zoning and zoning appeals.
Community leadership: Treasurer and board member, Friends of the Rochester Public Library; board member, Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra; chairman, Rochester Bach Festival Inc.
Surprising fact: I am skilled on five musical instruments-the piano, organ, guitar, clarinet and oboe. I have experience in ballroom dancing.
Ten years from now: I see myself continuing to find new opportunities to become involved in supporting the arts and cultural organizations in the Rochester area and continuing to make meaningful contributions to the legal community.

Matt Jones
Marketing manager
Wegmans Food Markets Inc.
Age: 38
Education: B.S., business, Ithaca College
Family: Wife, Kimberly; daughters, 3 and 1
Residence: Brighton
Professional responsibilities: Helps ensure that relevant information about meals, ingredients and the company is delivered to customers in an engaging manner, which involves customer segmentation, marketing and media strategy, and developing an online presence.
Community leadership: Volunteer, Boys and Girls Club Accelerated Reading Program; volunteer, Rochester Advertising Council Inc.; board member, Literacy Volunteers of Rochester; board member, Rochester Advertising Federation.
Surprising fact: My wife and I performed a highly choreographed cha-cha routine at our wedding reception. It was pre-YouTube, but I like to think it would have gone viral.
Ten years from now: Ten weeks would be hard, so I won't get too specific with 10 years. Suffice it to say that I'll be learning and working with great people at Wegmans, enjoying my family and hopefully fitting in some long hikes. My Twitter followers will also have just passed the 100 mark.

Stephen Jones
Partner
Nixon Peabody LLP
Age: 35
Education: B.A., history, St. John Fisher College; J.D., Syracuse University
Family: Wife, Margaret; daughter, 3; son, 1
Residence: Pittsford
Professional responsibilities: Concentrates practice in employment litigation defense with a particular emphasis on complex class-action lawsuits. Lead counsel in several class actions and lead negotiator in several multimillion-dollar settlements. Represents employers in proceedings before state and federal agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Counsels employers regarding compliance with state and federal employment laws and regulations.
Community leadership: Chairman, board of directors, Step by Step of Rochester Inc.; past pro bono counsel, Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County; past coach and counselor, Law Explorers Program of Monroe County.
Surprising fact: I am a huge fan of the alternative rock band Pearl Jam. They have provided the soundtrack of my life for the last 18 years. My buddy and I will travel to shows anywhere within a 500-mile radius of Rochester when they tour.
Ten years from now: Chasing my children around with my incredible wife, Meg. Active in community-based charities. Professionally, continuing to practice law and pursuing a career in public service, perhaps politics.

Daniel Kinel
Partner
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Age: 39
Education: B.A., economics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Mass.; J.D., American University, Washington, D.C.
Family: Wife, Ellen Poleshuck; sons, 5 and 3
Residence: Brighton
Professional responsibilities: As a partner in the firm's business unit, represents publicly held and private companies in all aspects of securities law compliance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, and venture capital and private equity transactions. Serves as chairman of Harter Secrest & Emery's diversity committee.
Community leadership: Trustee and executive committee member, Hillel Community Day School Inc.; director and chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committees, Veterans Outreach Center Inc.; member, community relations committee, Jewish Community Federation; member, New Leadership Network, American Israel Public Affairs Committee; participant, Monroe County Bar Association Lawyers for Learning Program.
Surprising fact: I would enjoy the experience of spending time abroad with my family so we could become fluent in another language.
Ten years from now: I plan to continue to enjoy new experiences with my wonderful family and hope to watch my children begin the process of becoming engaged members of their community. Professionally, I expect to continue to contribute to the success of HSE's clients as they navigate the challenges of the new economy.

Jennifer Martlew
Senior audit manager
Insero & Co. CPAs P.C.
Age: 31
Education: A.S., business administration, Monroe Community College; B.S., accounting, SUNY College at Brockport
Family: Son, 7
Residence: Penfield
Professional responsibilities: Leads the planning and execution of audits for Insero's large multinational clients as well as many closely held middle-market corporations. Helps grow the benefit plan audit practice.
Community leadership: Vice chairwoman of the board, chairwoman of the development committee, member of the finance committee, Susan B. Anthony House; member of committee on career opportunities in the accounting profession, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants; member, SUNY Brockport Alumni Association; member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; member, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Surprising fact: As a junior at Greece Arcadia High School, I played inside linebacker on the junior varsity football team.
Ten years from now: I see myself leading a division of Insero as a key partner and able to look back and know I was an inspiration in helping others achieve leadership in their profession and the community.

Sheri McKenna
Director of marketing
ConServe
Age: 35
Education: B.A., communications, St. John Fisher College
Family: Husband, Ryan; daughter, 6; son, 3
Residence: Webster
Professional responsibilities: Oversees ConServe's marketing and corporate communications programs and assists with further expansion into the higher education marketplace. Serves as ConServe's media representative and manages all media affairs locally and nationally. Leads all employee communication initiatives aimed at increasing morale and building company loyalty.
Community leadership: Board member and communications chairwoman, Rochester chapter, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; board member, eBusiness Association; member, marketing committee, Our Lady of Mercy High School; member, Rochester Women's Network; member, Rochester Press Radio Club.
Surprising fact: I was 25 when I first learned to ride a bike. My riding-obsessed boyfriend (now husband) made it his sole mission to teach me to ride. It took several weeks and numerous trips to empty parking lots, but now I can ride without training wheels and I'm only slightly fearful of falling off and breaking one of my legs.
Ten years from now: I plan on still having fun both at work and at home and making the most of each and every day. I'll be enjoying my time with my wonderful husband and my two delightful teenagers. I also plan on traveling and continuing my volunteer efforts in the community.

Clayton Millard
Vice president
Merrill Lynch
Age: 39
Education: B.S., environmental geology, Allegheny College, Pa.; M.S., geology; Indiana University
Family: Wife, Kim; daughters, 4 and 2
Residence: Brighton
Professional responsibilities: My team provides wealth management services to executives, prominent physicians, attorneys and other professionals. We have perfected a disciplined process to address the issues of wealth that our experience and research show are important to our clients' well-being.
Community leadership: Board of trustees member, treasurer and finance committee chairman, The Nature Conservancy, Central & Western New York chapter; board of trustees member and finance chairman, Friends of Eastman Opera; volunteer in fundraising and networking, DayStar for Medically Fragile Infants Inc.
Surprising fact: Many people I know were surprised when I moved back to Rochester after living in Pennsylvania, Utah, Montana, Indiana and Washington, D.C., for 10 years. I cannot imagine being as happy anywhere else.
Ten years from now: I hope to look back on a period of significant growth in my practice. I see myself taking more time to travel and experience the world with my family. I expect to be working hard to ensure that the world I leave behind is at least as healthy as the one I inherited.

Christopher Mooney
Director of client services
Cobblestone Capital Advisors LLC
Age: 38
Education: B.A., communications, St. John Fisher College
Family: Wife, Janine; twin son and daughter, 6
Residence: Pittsford
Professional responsibilities: Ensures all clients receive the highest quality of service possible. Spearheads efforts to expand the firm's geographic footprint by refocusing Cobblestone's communications and service models and developing new distribution channels and increased community awareness.
Community leadership: Board member and vice chairman, chairman of the executive director search committee, School of the Holy Childhood; co-chairman, St. Louis School's 2009 golf tournament.
Surprising fact: I am a World War II history buff and a competitive runner.
Ten years from now: I will be enjoying my children's high school years, preparing them for college and preparing for my wife to be an empty-nester.

Michael O'Leary
Office managing partner
(Rochester & Syracuse)
Ernst & Young LLP
Age: 36
Education: B.S., accounting, Canisius College
Family: Wife, Mary Ann; sons, 5 and 3; daughter, 5
Residence: Victor
Professional responsibilities: Responsible for all firm service lines, audit, tax, advisory and transactions in Rochester and Syracuse. Focuses on strategy, new business development, client service and relationships, and overall management and support of local professional staff. Expertise includes corporate governance issues, internal audit and control, finance, supply chain and information technology process improvement.
Community leadership: Board member, Institute of Internal Auditors, Western New York Chapter; board member, Alzheimer's Association, Central New York Chapter; member, Canisius College Council on Accountancy; volunteer, Victor Youth Baseball; past board member, Crestwood Children's Center, Hillside Family of Agencies.
Surprising fact: Although I have always lived in Upstate New York, I have traveled around the world on business to countries including South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, China, Japan, Ireland, England, France, Germany, Belgium and Mexico. In fact I once flew to New Zealand just for dinner!
Ten years from now: Hopefully continuing to progress in my career leadership while enjoying time at home with our children, who all will be teenagers at that point! Also, a lower golf handicap would be nice (can only get better)!

Sean Ossont
Associate vice president of strategic planning
University of Rochester Medical Center
Age: 36
Education: B.S., health services administration, Ithaca College; MBA, MHA, University of Pittsburgh
Family: Wife, Dawn; twin daughters, 5; son, 3
Residence: Walworth
Professional responsibilities: Responsible for the facilitation, development and implementation of departmental, hospital, research and enterprisewide strategic plans, including significant involvement with the recent development and implementation of a five-year URMC strategic plan.
Community leadership: Board member, CP Rochester; coordinator and instructor, Shared Ski Adventures; board member and instructor, OASIS Adaptive Sports; member, executive steering committee 2008-10, Group on Institutional Planning; chairman, Professional Development Committee, Association of American Medical Colleges.
Surprising fact: For the past 10 winters, I have spent nearly every Saturday volunteering as an adaptive ski instructor through the Shared Ski Adventures program. This winter it is my hope to share this passion for adaptive skiing with U.S. veterans through the OASIS Adaptive Sports program.
Ten years from now: I hope to maintain a healthy balance between family life, community involvement and professional development. I also look forward to backpacking through Europe with my family of teenagers. I suspect that by day 3 or 4 my wife and I will be wondering, "How much longer before we pass through the wine region of Bordeaux, France?"

Kara Painting
Managing partner and creative director
Dixon Schwabl Advertising Inc.
Age: 31
Education: B.A., communications design, Syracuse University
Family: Husband, Justin; son, 4; daughter, 2
Residence: Canandaigua
Professional responsibilities: Responsible for evaluating client objectives, developing creative strategies and ensuring that innovative marketing communications programs are implemented for Dixon Schwabl's 150 clients. Manages the 33-member creative department and leads the agency's strategic planning committee. Developed and continues evolution of the firm's proprietary brand positioning process, Discovering the WOW!
Community leadership: Board member and director of interactive marketing committee, eBusiness Association; certified leadership coaching services donated to Daystar for Medically Fragile Infants Inc. and United Way of Greater Rochester Inc.; community outreach champion, Eastman Institute of Oral Health, University of Rochester; adjunct professor, Monroe Community College.
Surprising fact: Since I am a petite, bubbly girl with the face of innocence, people can't comprehend my love of hip-hop music. Introduced to the genre with the late, great Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and then the stylings of LL Cool J, I've been hooked since the fifth grade.
Ten years from now: My favorite time of year is in the thrust of spring into summer-when you see nature explode into fits of color. I am in awe of how much growth has occurred during what seems like a desolate, dormant time of year. In the same way, I hope that each year of my life that goes by brings me the same sense of anticipation and awe.

Rachael Phelps M.D.
Associate medical director
Planned Parenthood of the
Rochester/Syracuse Region
Age: 39
Education: B.S., anatomy and physiology, Pennsylvania State University; M.D., Johns Hopkins University
Family: Husband, Andy
Residence: Rochester
Professional responsibilities: Supervises the reproductive health care provided by 17 clinicians at seven health centers serving 37,000 women spanning the area from Syracuse to Batavia. Serves on the senior management team. Accreditation surveyor for Planned Parenthood Federation of America; serves on PPFA's national medical committee.
Community leadership: National faculty, Adolescent Reproductive Health Education Project; former board member and current national faculty, Medical Students for Choice; expert adviser, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals.
Surprising fact: I wanted to be an artist or a social worker like my mother. My mother encouraged me to be a doctor, because I would have more power to make a difference. I became a little bit of everything: a social work doctor who is an artist in her spare time.
Ten years from now: To continue to work locally and nationally to promote evidence-based contraception and public health policies aimed at decreasing unplanned pregnancy rates while protecting access to safe, legal abortion. To volunteer abroad to help ensure access to high-quality family planning services to decrease maternal mortality in low-resource settings.

Delmonize Smith
Assistant professor of management
E. Philip Saunders College of Business, Rochester Institute of Technology
Age: 33
Education: Bachelor's in business administration, Faulkner University, Montgomery, Ala.; M.S., management, Troy University, Troy, Ala.; Ph.D., management, University of Alabama
Family: Wife, Shunthenia; sons, 15, 11, 11; daughter, 7
Residence: West Henrietta
Professional responsibilities: Teaches courses such as organizational behavior, entrepreneurship and leadership. Conducts and publishes research in the areas of socialization, the interaction between people and technology, and entrepreneurship. Faculty adviser for RIT's Society of African-American Business Students and a McNair Scholars adviser.
Community leadership: Board member, Rochester Black Business Association; board member, Rochester City School District Chapter of the National Academy Foundation; inaugural member, Middle College Partnership Program between RIT and International Finance High School at Franklin; member, Rochester PENCIL Partnership Program; creator and adviser, Future Business Leaders Experience.
Surprising fact: Most people assume that I am an extrovert, but the reality is I am a classic introvert. I am energized by time alone, reflective, like to think before I speak, and prefer the internal world of ideas, thought and concepts.
Ten years from now: A college president, assuming the academic route. Leading a Fortune 1000 company, assuming a non-academic route.

Kari Smoker
Assistant professor
Bittner School of Business,
St. John Fisher College
Age: 39
Education: B.A., mathematics-statistics, B.A., economics, University of Rochester; J.D., Ohio State University
Family: Husband, Kenneth; sons, 8 and 5
Residence: Rochester
Professional responsibilities: Teaches tax and law in the undergraduate and graduate accounting and business programs; academic adviser; member of the academic standing committee; authors articles on contemporary tax issues; coaches students in national tax competitions sponsored by Deloitte & Touche LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers; assists in recruitment process for employment opportunities in public accounting.
Community leadership: Chairwoman, Women Helping Girls, a program of the Greater Rochester Area Branch of the American Association of University Women; board member and co-chairwoman, events committee, Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys; member, marketing and development committee, Cobblestone School; active member, parent support group, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Surprising fact: I ran my first half-marathon, after an 18-year hiatus from running, in September as a fundraiser for Women Helping Girls. It was a great experience! My next goal: to do it again, only faster, and to muster the courage to run an entire marathon.
Ten years from now: I hope to continue serving the Rochester community as both an educator and a mentor to students preparing to enter the business professions. I also look forward to serving an organization that assists members of our community with developmental disabilities. And, of course, I'd love to run a marathon!

Thomas Tehan
Senior manager
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Age: 30
Education: B.A., accounting, SUNY College at Geneseo
Family: Wife, Karen; newborn son
Residence: Penfield
Professional responsibilities: Provides audit and consulting services, including Securities and Exchange Commission reporting for public entities; merger and acquisitions due diligence projects; debt and equity offerings, including initial public offerings. Responsible for managing audit clients with combined total fees of approximately $3.5 million. Involved in preparing and presenting training materials on technical accounting matters.
Community leadership: Member of the audit, finance and strategic planning committees, Medical Motor Service of Rochester & Monroe County Inc.; member, Alumni Connections Council, SUNY Geneseo School of Business; lead campus recruiter for prospective employees for Deloitte & Touche's Rochester office; volunteer, Flower City Habitat for Humanity.
Surprising fact: I ran a diner at age 11-Tom's Diner. I am in the process of writing a cookbook with recipes that I have shared with my family and friends over the past 20 years. If I don't make someone laugh during the day, I feel that day has been a failure.
Ten years from now: Enjoying life every day with Karen and our family; coaching Little League baseball; continuing to have a very close and special relationship with my parents and two brothers. As my grandfather always said, "You could have all the money and wealth in the world, but without family ... you have nothing."

Marina Tharayil
Member, research and technology staff
Xerox Corp.
Age: 31
Education: B.S., mechanical engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago; M.S., mechanical engineering, Ph.D., mechanical engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Family: Fiance, Mike Kategaya
Residence: Brighton
Professional responsibilities: Leads media-handling research projects that integrate sensing and controls to improve performance or extend functionality for future Xerox products. Spearheaded a Controls Community of Practice, which brings together controls practitioners across Xerox to discuss projects and work practices. Patents and publishes regularly, consulted for peer reviewing and research collaborations.
Community leadership: Chairwoman, Xerox Innovation Group Women's Council; member, active controls researcher, IEEE; mentor for interns and active member, Asians Coming Together, The Women's Alliance and YP@X, Young Professionals at Xerox; member, UIUC Alleyne Research Group Alumni, Church of the Blessed Sacrament and Greater Rochester Association of Malayalees in New York.
Surprising fact: I grew up speaking four languages: English, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. Also, my family moved from India to the U.S. when I was 13. As a result, I have developed an accent unique to me in all the languages I speak!
Ten years from now: I envision myself leading a successful career, balanced with a healthy lifestyle and a happy family. I would like to have a direct impact on technology research and product development in my organization. I aspire to inspire and mentor others and continue contributing to the various communities I am part of.

Barry Thornton
Senior vice president,
transformation management
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield,
Rochester Region
Age: 38
Education: B.S., health sciences, SUNY College at Cortland; M.S., health policy and management, SUNY Albany
Family: Wife, Kristin; sons 7 and 9
Residence: Pittsford
Professional responsibilities: Lead Excellus Health Plan through a multi-year business transformation that includes development of consistent business processes across all regions, consolidation of all claim payment and membership systems, development of strategic and customer enhancements, development and achievement of cost and business operating metrics and overall simplification of the business model.
Community leadership: Board member, Keeping Education Extraordinary in Pittsford Foundation; board member, SUNY Cortland College Foundation.
Surprising fact: I played two years of indoor professional lacrosse for the National Lacrosse League Syracuse Smash. I also played for the Oneida Nation and Onondaga Nation in the Iroquois Lacrosse League. This consisted of traveling to various Native American reservations in New York State and Canada.
Ten years from now: Professionally, using a senior-level position at Excellus to help improve performance that will benefit customers and health care practitioners, while also making a difference in the local community. Personally, improving my golf game (beginner) and enjoying my children's final years of high school and beginning of college.

James Traylor
Director, specialcare planning
Financial Architects-MassMutual
Age: 24
Education: B.S., biology and political science, SUNY College at Geneseo
Family: Single
Residence: Rochester
Professional responsibilities: Helps parents and guardians of children with special needs create long-term financial strategies that do not jeopardize their children's state and federal benefits. Conducts educational workshops for local non-profit agencies, school districts and professional organizations on special-needs planning issues.
Community leadership: Board member and Rochester chairman, Wellness G.I.F.T.S. Inc.; member, marketing, public relations and golf committees, Continuing Developmental Services Inc.; graduate, Leadership Livingston; member, advisory council, Delta Kappa Tau of Geneseo LLC.
Surprising fact: I have a deep appreciation for food, wine and professional culinary arts. I secretly aspire to be an amateur chef. In the interim I will have to settle for the Food Network and feeding my roommates.
Ten years from now: Over the next 10 years I see myself entering into marriage and starting a family. I will continue to travel each February to an exotic, off-the-beaten-path destination. I will have created the largest special-needs planning organization on the East Coast. I want to break 80 on the golf course.

Kyle VanPutte
President
VanPutte Gardens
Age: 38
Education: B.S., horticulture, Pennsylvania State University
Family: Wife, Tricia; daughters, 9 and 1; son, 6
Residence: Greece
Professional responsibilities: Oversees all divisions of VanPutte Gardens with daily oversight of the landscape division. Responsibilities include strategic planning, financial management, personnel development, quality control and customer relations. Develops the company's mission, culture and values. Brings innovative ideas and management approaches to VanPutte Gardens through community involvement.
Community leadership: Board member, chairman for 2008-09, Greece Chamber of Commerce; board member, YMCA of Greater Rochester; board member, Greece Youth Hall of Fame; past member, Cooperative Education Employer Advisory Council, Greece Central School District.
Surprising fact: I was an assistant high school hockey coach for seven years and helped guide our team to a state championship in 1996.
Ten years from now: I hope to maximize my ability to learn and grow through the daily experiences at VanPutte Gardens and to serve on new boards that promote the economic vitality of the Rochester region. In terms of life achievements, I look forward to raising my three children and watching them grow and helping them become responsible students in school and life.

Peter VanPutte
Business banking market manager,
first vice president
HSBC Bank USA N.A.
Age: 39
Education: B.S., finance, Canisius College; MBA, Rochester Institute of Technology
Family: Wife, Nancy; son, 8; daughter, 7
Residence: Fairport
Professional responsibilities: Leads a diverse sales team of relationship managers with a comprehensive focus on the needs of small businesses and their owners. Oversees financial performance of the Rochester business banking unit. Maintains excellence in client service with profitable growth.
Community leadership: Board member and finance committee member, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, N.Y. Inc.; member of the board of governors, long-range planning and audit committees, Midvale Country Club; coach and volunteer, Fairport Youth Athletics.
Surprising fact: What I am most humbled by and most proud of: cancer survivor!
Ten years from now: Undoubtedly navigating through my children's teenage years. And I hope to enjoy every minute from this day till then. I want to continue to lend my support, guidance and life experiences to this community and our children. Club champion?

Jay Wegman
Vice president
Wegman Companies Inc.
Age: 32
Education: B.S., business, SUNY College at Brockport
Family: Wife, Kelly; sons, 5 and 3; daughter, 1
Residence: Hilton
Professional responsibilities: Responsible for the daily operations of Wegman Companies, including strategizing and identifying new markets and communities for development, securing financing for new communities and refinancing of existing facilities. Reviews and approves development budgets and manages those budgets through project completion.
Community leadership: Board member, Northwest YMCA; committee member, Northwest/Westside YMCA Golf Tournament; committee member, Charity for Golf Tournament, Wegman Companies Inc.
Surprising fact: What most people don't know about me is that I am one of nine siblings, five girls and four boys. Seven of the nine children plus brothers-in-law work for the family business in some capacity.
Ten years from now: I see myself watching my family enjoy life as my children grow and learn. I also see myself following in my parents' footsteps, working tirelessly to grow the family and the family business. My father started the business more than 30 years ago. I see myself watching the next generation of children take pride in the family and the business and continue the tradition for the next 50 years.

Angelette Williams
University relations manager
ITT Corp. Space Systems Division
Age: 33
Education: B.A., mathematics, DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind.; M.S., applied mathematics, Oklahoma State University
Family: Husband, Carlin; son, 6; daughter, 2
Residence: Webster
Professional responsibilities: Develops and implements the Space Systems Division's college relations program. Responsible for managing all aspects of the college recruiting process. Identifies and participates at selected career fairs locally and nationwide. Responsible for developing and maintaining strong working relationships with key universities, university alumni and candidates.
Community leadership: Board member and fund development committee member, Center for Youth Services; president, Women's Network of ITT Space Systems Division.
Surprising fact: I started running as a hobby two and a half years ago. Back then I could barely run one minute without losing my breath. On July 4 I competed in my first five-mile race! I am working toward competing in a half marathon (13.1 miles) in 2010.
Ten years from now: I see myself being a model of work/life balance while balancing my professional career, being a full-blown sports mom of 16-year-old Bryce and 12-year-old Arden and spending time with my husband.

Nancy Goldsmith Zawacki
Vice president,
marketing and communications
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Inc.
Age: 35
Education: B.A., journalism, American University, Washington, D.C.
Family: Husband, Mark; daughter, 7; son, 5
Residence: Pittsford
Professional responsibilities: Leads the marketing communications team, which is responsible for nearly half of the revenue needed annually for the organization's budget. Oversees all aspects of marketing, ticket and subscription sales, communications, electronic media, branding, public relations and patron services for the RPO. Responsible for diversifying and growing the audience base.
Community leadership: Member, community advisory and program committees, volunteer, Brand Workshop and Communications Plan, Advertising Council of Rochester Inc.; member, communications committee, and ambassador mother, March of Dimes; assistant coach, Pittsford Little League; board member, Pittsford PTSA; member, Empowering Women Committee, YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County; judge, 2009 Marketer of the Year Awards, Rochester Chapter, American Marketing Association.
Surprising fact: I'm full of surprises. What has most recently surprised me, though, is how many great colleagues and friends have been honored with the Forty Under 40 award. Specifically, I have been privileged to work for two wonderful women-and Forty Under 40 alums-Dawn Borgeest (1994) and Donna Dedee Doyle (1998).
Ten years from now: I've finally figured out that I can't predict what is going to happen in 10 minutes, let alone 10 years. I hope that in the next decade my family and I will always have much to celebrate and continue to serve our community as much as possible.